skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
Tractors
rocksoldier

John Deere 445 - PTO problem

19 years ago

Hi all,

I have a John Deere 445. I've had it for about five years and it is a great tractor. I was cutting the grass on Monday and had to move one of the kids toys on the lawn. I turned off the PTO like I always do (push down on the PTO knob), put the brake on and move the toy. I got back on, turned the brake off and the PTO would not engage. There was no grinding noise or anything. I changed the PTO to the rear and tried again, still nothing so I don't think it is a PTO gear issue.

Any idea what the problem is? Is it electrical?

Thanks in advance,

Marty

Featured Answer
  • 19 years ago

    Thanks macguy.
    I did some tests. This might help in further troubleshooting.
    The seat switch seems ok: I started the tractor, brake off, got off the seat and the engine died when I put the PTO on.
    Juice is getting to the solenoid - how easy is it to change one of those?!?
    My hydro fluid was low also, just barely above the bottom line. So before I get the solenoid changed, I'll top up the fluid and try it again.

    Comments (13)

    • 19 years ago

      Probably one of 4 things:

      PTO switch is faulty
      Seat switch is fautly
      Brake switch is stuck or faulty
      PTO Solenoid is faulty

      With tractor running, brake off and the PTO switch in the on position (up) test the wire leading to the PTO solenoid (at the top of the transaxle on the backside). Metal cylinder stick out with a plastic nut on the end of it with a wire leading to it. See if it is hot. If it's getting juice then the solenoid is bad. If no juice then start checking the switches. Also make sure you're not really low on hydro fluid.

    • Related Professionals

      Middletown Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Utica Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Pueblo Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Jonesboro Landscape Contractors · Little Rock Landscape Contractors · Gainesville Landscape Contractors · Chillicothe Landscape Contractors · North Adams Landscape Contractors · Jamestown Landscape Contractors · Rocky Mount Architects & Building Designers · Cincinnati Architects & Building Designers · Miami Architects & Building Designers · Auburn Architects & Building Designers · New London Architects & Building Designers · Manchester Architects & Building Designers
    • 19 years ago

      Rocksoldier -

      You might post this thread to the weekend freedom machines site. They are a very knowledgeable group of JD owners.

      Here is a link that might be useful: Weekend Freedom Machines

    • 19 years ago

      Rocksoldier, unplug the connector at the PTO and see how many volts you're getting there; if you're not getting 12, your battery might be too low to activate the PTO. This happens on my Power King whenever the battery gets low - that is, the tractor runs fine, but the PTO won't engage.
      (Pull the connector wires loose, then have someone sit in the seat and activate the PTO switch, then take a reading of voltage in the connector.)

    • 19 years ago

      Not tough at all to change the solenoid but the plastic nut needs to be torqued to proper spec to work properly.

    • 19 years ago

      Hi all,
      The battery is new this spring and it is giving me 12 volts at the solenoid connector. I removed the solenoid, pretty easy. When I was testing for voltage, with the solenoid removed, the PTO light was on - the PTO light would not light before I disconnected the solenoid.

      From your comments, it's almost certainly a bad solenoid. Thanks for your help.

      Marty

    • 19 years ago

      IF this is a Warner clutch, field resistance should be between 2.4 & 2.9 OHMS. Don't forget to zero the meter.

    • 17 years ago

      Hi, me again. I know it's been a while but was back here for something else and figured I should put up what the problem was. After doing some testing of the electrical, it was the PTO switch (yellow switch to the left of steering wheel) that needed to be replaced!!! I would of never thought.
      Thanks for all your help.

    • 15 years ago

      MOWER WILL RUN FOR 2 MINUTES AND THEN SHUT OFF. ENGINE IS
      STILL RUNNING. TRIED AGAIN AND AGAIN AND SAME RESULT.
      DO YOU THINK IT IS SOLENOID OR PTO SWITCH OR SEAT SWITCH?

      THANK YOU

    • 12 years ago

      Please need your thoughts on my 445.... The blades will not engage when I pull up on the PTO switch,but the drive shaft is spinning and it sounds like the blades want to start and they don't ..thanks,

    • 12 years ago

      Please need your thoughts on my 445.... The blades will not engage when I pull up on the PTO switch,but the drive shaft is spinning and it sounds like the blades want to start and they don't ..thanks,

    • 12 years ago

      Please need your thoughts on my 445.... The blades will not engage when I pull up on the PTO switch,but the drive shaft is spinning and it sounds like the blades want to start and they don't ..thanks,

    • 12 years ago

      Gear box, spindle belt , tension spring? Off the deck has to come and you need to pull the covers and have a look. Or at least pull the covers...

    Related Stories
    DISASTER PREP & RECOVERYMore Power to You: How to Pick the Right Generator
    By Marianne Lipanovich
    If your home's electricity goes, don't let it take your necessities with it — keep systems running with this guide to backup power
    Full Story
    37
    Sponsored
    Landscape Management Group
    Average rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars33 Reviews
    High Quality Landscaping Services in Columbus